Newly purchased school buses in Texas must have three-point seat belts for all riders under a new state law.
Shannon Najmabadi
Shannon Najmabadi was a reporter at the Tribune from 2017 to 2021, most recently covering women's health. Her stories — on higher education and other topics — have prompted lawmakers to change three state laws, including one involving a very narrow definition of the word “pickle.” She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and Columbia University.
Posted inState Government
New law allows hunting hogs from hot air balloons, but few balloonists will offer it
Despite a new law allowing hunters to shoot feral hogs and coyotes from hot air balloons, many balloonists – citing logistical challenges – say they will not offer the activity.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Environmental concerns persist across Harvey-ravaged Texas cities. Here’s what you should know today.
As efforts to rebuild have slowly begun in areas hit hard by Hurricane Harvey, officials continue to warn of lingering environmental hazards, including the health risks posed by receding floodwater.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Turner says Houston is “getting back on our feet” after Harvey. Here’s what you should know today.
Local, state and federal officials took to national airwaves Sunday to discuss recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey and project a largely positive message.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Officials are starting to grapple with the costs of Harvey. Here’s what you should know today.
Floodwaters have ebbed, but many parts of the state still face environmental hazards and other risks in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Posted in
Health care
Judge temporarily halts Texas ban on common second-trimester abortion procedure
A federal judge on Thursday delayed for two weeks enforcement of part of a state law that bans the most common second-trimester abortion method.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Firm predicts Harvey will be more expensive than Katrina and Sandy combined
The meteorological firm AccuWeather estimates the storm’s impact on gross domestic product will be $190 billion – one percent of the U.S.’s current GDP – and more costly than Katrina and Sandy combined.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
This is already Houston’s “worst flood.” It’s only going to get worse.
As swamped officials struggled to respond to a deadly crisis Sunday, southeast Texans were bracing for their troubles to multiply over the coming week. Harvey is on track to produce even more devastating floods.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Hurricane Harvey slams Texas
The storm wreaked havoc on buildings along the Texas coast and continued to dump heavy rainfall on the region, prompting concerns of possibly disastrous flooding, while widespread power outages hampered the state’s relief efforts.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas leaders offer mixed responses to UT-Austin’s late-night removal of Confederate statues
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized the overnight removal of several Confederate statues from the University of Texas at Austin’s campus while U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz called the decision “the university’s prerogative.”
